ATI RN
NCLEX Practice Questions Cardiovascular System Questions
Question 1 of 5
Aorta pierces the diaphragm at the level of:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The aorta passes through the diaphragm at the aortic hiatus, level T12 (C). T8 (A) is the inferior vena cava, T10 (B) the esophagus, and C6 (D) is cervical.
Question 2 of 5
Peripheral resistance is maximum in:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Arterioles (C) have the highest resistance due to small diameter and smooth muscle control (Poiseuille’s law). Aorta (A) and arteries (B) have less, veins (D) minimal.
Question 3 of 5
Cardiac outputs is maximum to:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The liver receives the most blood (~1.5 L/min, A), though kidneys (C, ~1.2 L/min) are close. Brain (B, ~0.75 L/min) and heart (D, ~0.25 L/min) get less.
Question 4 of 5
Identify the pouch-like structure that increases the total filling capacity of the atrium.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The auricle is a pouch-like extension of the atrium, increasing its capacity. Ventricle (A) is a chamber, coronary sulcus (B) is a groove, fossa ovalis (C) is a fetal remnant, and interatrial septum (D) divides atria.
Question 5 of 5
During which of the following periods does the largest volume of blood enter the arteries?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Ventricular systole (D) ejects the largest volume into arteries (~70 ml/beat). Diastole (A, B) fills chambers, atrial systole (C) adds ~20% to ventricular filling.